Case for carrying stretched artists&#39; canvases

ABSTRACT

One or more articles, such as an artist&#39;s stretched canvas, are carried in a device comprising a shell of two polystyrene parts, moulded with tapered grooves, evenly spaced, that securely hold and separate the articles. Both shell parts are identical and, when assembled, join to create a tight seal. A fabric cover with a zipper closure is tailored to wrap the entire assembled shell. Integrated straps reinforce the cover and provide a handle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

[0002] None

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Artists often need to transport stretched canvases (or other painting surfaces) before the paint medium has thoroughly dried. A wet artist's canvas is especially touch sensitive, requires protection from moisture and airborn particles, and is moderately fragile. It is desirable to have a lightweight, durable device that will allow an artist to protect one or more wet stretched canvases during transport.

[0005] There are two existing principle types of canvas carry systems. The first clamps two canvases face-to-face in a way as to suspend the articles away from each other. A variation on this design clamps one or two canvases between narrow boards. None of these devices completely enclose the canvases and therefore fail to protect the articles from moisture, airborn particles, or the kind of physical forces that act on paintings in ordinary transport.

[0006] A second method allows stretched canvases to slide into a slotted box, generally made of wood. These boxes are often heavy, prone to damage, and accommodate only a limited variety of canvas sizes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention is a rigid shell of moulded polystyrene or similar material. The shell is in two parts of exactly equal size and shape. When turned 180° to each other and mated, the two pieces interlock to form a tight seal. The interior of the shell is a space. The surfaces of the shell interior have moulded tapered grooves, evenly spaced, that securely hold the edges of one or more stretched artists' canvases with minimal contact, and separating the canvas' surfaces. Variations to the dimensions would allow the manufacture of shells to hold any number of canvases and of different sizes.

[0008] The shell is wrapped in a cover of nylon or other protective fabric closed by a zipper. The cover has integrated fabric straps, a handle, and may have sewn exterior pockets.

[0009] This system provides superior protection of artists' canvases in a convenient, lightweight, portable, durable, inexpensive device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0010]FIG. 1A, view from above of one (of two identical) shell piece

[0011]FIG. 1B, view from either side of one shell piece

[0012]FIG. 1C, view from either end of one shell piece

[0013]FIG. 2, perspective of two identical shell pieces assembled

[0014]FIG. 3, perspective of the fabric cover wrapped around an assembled shell

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Each shell part is moulded from expandable polystyrene, 1.0-1.5 PCF, (or similar material) into a precise shape (FIGS. 1A, 1B, & 1C). Two of these shapes are joined to create an enclosed shell (FIG. 2). An assembled shell (two parts) is enclosed in a sewn fabric cover with a zipper closure and an integrated handle (FIG. 3).

[0016] One shell part (the base) will stand upright as canvases are slid into moulded grooves. A second identical shell part will be slid down over the canvas. The rim of the two shell parts will interlock, sealing the canvases from elements outside the shell. The assembled shell will be inserted into a fabric cover tailored to fit tightly. The entire assembly may be carried by lifting a fabric or leather handle that wraps around webbed straps integrated into the fabric cover. 

I claim:
 1. A device for carrying one or more stretched artists' canvases, wet or dry, the device comprising two moulded parts, both identical, which when joined create a shell around a space.
 2. The device according to claim 1, being made of lightweight, durable material such as expandable polystyrene, of sufficient thickness and density to prevent crushing.
 3. The device according to claim 1, having moulded tapered grooves, evenly spaced, formed to dimensions that would securely hold a stretched artist's canvas with minimal contact.
 4. The device according to claim 1, having a rim design that allows a tight seal when the two identical parts are joined.
 5. A sewn fabric cover, tailored to fit around the device according to claim 1, to be reinforced with webbed straps, have a zipper closure, and to have a leather or fabric handle. 